Rafael Gabriel

It may sound obvious, but so often the secret of success for a business, is finding a gap in the market, which is exactly what Rafael did back in 2014. He had been working as a builder and decorator, based not far from the Triangle, and was frustrated by his inability to buy a pot of paint locally. He also realised that the big DIY retailers, despite their size, or maybe because of it, didn't really provide a very good service. On top of that, he thought it would make sense to run a business where someone could pop in for that pot of paint, but then also get a quote for someone to actually do the decorating, or install the windows, or do the plumbing!
And the plan seems to have worked. In addition to 3 members of staff in the shop, he has 10 sub contractors working on jobs for him. He actually has to turn work down, as he doesn't want to compromise quality. Word of mouth counts for so much in the building trade, so you are only as good as your last job. Recently, we were looking for someone to install secondary glazing in our flat, and windows being Rafael's speciality, his name popped up more than once in local recommendations. I'm pleased to say we are very happy with the results!
Rafael followed in his father's painting and decorating footsteps back home in Poland, before heading to London in 2003. A few years later he moved to West Norwood, where he got lots of work via local estate agents. At weekends he and his family would come up to Crystal Palace for the shopping or a walk in the park, and was instantly captured by the sense of community here, plus it had a Polish deli, so very soon they made their home here. Despite his enthusiasm for the area, the one negative note is that sadly his van has been broken into 4 times in the last couple of years, though not always locally. This problem is of course widespread, but his understandable frustration is not just that this happens, but that there appears to be no attempt by the police to do anything about it, and their lack of visibility making it all the more likely it will happen again.
This is a thriving modern business, but walking into the shop on Church Road, always makes me think of an old fashioned hardware store, with its goods stacked way up to the ceiling. With the bell on the desk, you almost imagine you could summon Ronnie Barker from behind the paint pots. We've lost so many 'old fashioned' shops, so it's good to see this little local revival on Church Road.

Rafael Gabriel

Rafael Gabriel

36 Church Road

SE19 Lates

Times are tough on the high street as we are all too aware, and here on the Triangle we are not immune from harsh economic reality. This year we said goodbye to Blue Door Bicycles, and a couple of restaurants, The Exhibition Rooms, and the French House restaurant opposite, the latter having been replaced with a Caribbean one called The Escape. Fortunately there have been other openings too; Tattoo Society, Urban Cellar, and most recently the Indigo Tree, but at the same time there seem to be more vacant premises than ever. So SE19 Lates , now in its second year, comes as a hugely welcome initiative by local traders led by Liz at SBW, and marketing expert, Kate McGhee to create a festive buzz around shopping locally. Alongside their efforts, last week saw Santa switching on the lights on the Triangle's first Christmas Tree, on the triangular space between The Alma and Brown & Green. Organised by Noreen of Crystal Palace Festival, with the help of local champion, Francis Bernstein, the tree was kindly donated by The Secret Garden, with additional funding from local ward councillors.

The main focus of the initiative, is around 2 late night shopping evenings, the first of which was held last Thursday. The omens were not great, it clashed with the General Election, but worse, monsoon conditions prevailed for much of the day. However, in the end, neither managed to dampen spirits, again, thanks to Noreen and Francis, shops and street corners were filled with the sound of carol singers and other performers, and the mulled wine on offer in many of the shops provided a warm glow on the inside! While this was mostly a retail event, some of the bars on the Triangle also joined in, and tastings were held at Urban Cellar. Meanwhile local artist, David Vallade was on hand with pens and paper at Martin & Co on Church Road, to entertain the children with his 'Climb the Transmitter' game. And it will all be happening again next Thursday, when one of the highlights will be the Panash Steel Band.

Lene & Tine & a simmering pot of mulled wine at A L'Etage 2

Coconut Trading

Decorum

Mrs Robinson

À L'Étage 2

Organiser, Kate mcGhee

Organiser, Liz Clamp at Smash Bang Wallop

Once again the local community have shown what an amazing place Crystal Palace is, coming together to make great things happen. Well done and huge thanks to all those involved. And it's not just the nights! Plenty of shopping days between now and Christmas, not forgetting the fabulous food market on Haynes Lane every Saturday.
#SHOPLOCAL ! #MERRYCHRISTMAS